The Maltese archipelago, a tactical base of navigation, is located in the heart of the Mediterranean. Comprising of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto, and Filfla; Malta is largest island at a distance of 93 km (58 miles) south of Sicily island of Italy; while, Comino is the smallest. With Malta, only Gozo and Comino are inhabited ones. These three islands comprise of low hills with terraced fields where Malta exists without any mountains or rivers. Malta offers bays, creeks, sandy beaches, harbors, and rugged inlets; whereas Gozo has flat-topped hills and rocky cliffs.
Its history reveals that the first civilization prospered here in 3rd century B.C. that gave many beautiful megalithic temples. History lovers can follow the footsteps of St Paul, explore the site of defending Christendom by the Knights of St John, stroll along the ancient walled citadels, and visit the baroque churches and palaces. For fun lovers, explore the calm and unspoiled beaches separated by bays and become familiar with the traditional hamlets celebrating feasts. The medieval traces and sights of Malta pull thousands of tourists that actually results in triple population.
Attained the independent status from Britain in 1964, Malta became the member of the EU in 2004. While Maltese and English are formal languages, Italian is also spoken by many people. 91 percent of the population being Roman Catholic, kindly bear in mind that if you are visiting a church, you need to wear a modest dress that covers your shoulders and legs. This is always expected due to the tremendous importance of Roman Catholicism.
Tourists’ Attractions
- Valletta:
Situated in the Malta Island, attractions for the visitors here are the superb pieces of Maltese-style baroque architecture along the Merchants Street, the Co-Cathedral of St John, and the Grand Master’s Palace that displays the tapestries made for Louis XIV and outstanding items of armory. In addition, do also spend some time in its museums: the National Museum of Fine Art in an 18th century palace, the Church of Our Lady of Victories, and the National Museum of Archaeology at the close by Auberge de Provence.
- Manoel Theatre:
Located in Valletta on the Malta Island, this ranks second among the most ancient theatres of Europe. Do not miss the entertainment programs of opera, theatre, music, and ballet held between October and May. - Mdina:
An ancient walled city situated in the Malta Island, do visit the ancient fortress that is among the superb living pieces of the ancient times and the Norman-style Palazzo Falzon that arouse interest in its discovery. Further, if you want to have some stunning scenes in this city, do so from the Bastion Square that provides views of the St Paul’s Bay and the enclosing area. - Rabat:
Located in the Malta Island, explore the superb baroque churches, St Paul’s and St Agatha’s tombs, and the Roman Villa. - Blue Grotto:
This is the legendary area where sirens frightened the sea folk through their songs. Attractions for the visitors include the four caves revealing the true captivating power of the corals and minerals in limestone and a tranquil sea that is at its best providing a memorable experience in the early morning in Blue Grotto.
- Archaeological Sites:
Explore the imposing ones near Paola – Tarxien with its Neolithic temple; Hypogeum – a three-staged compound that is the home of old underground funeral chambers having its origin 3,000 years back; and Ghar Dalam (Dark Cave) holding the relics of birds and animals that have now become vanished. - Hagar Qim:
Located on the south of the Malta Island, this region offers a Neolithic temple constructed in 3000 B.C. through vast stones been fixed closely and adorned with quite an elaborate pattern. - Marsaxlokk:
This is the famous area holding the recently found Temple of Juno. This shrine is said to be worshipped by the Greeks dedicated to the goddess of fertility according to the Greek mythology.
- Adventurous Sports:
You can grasp the opportunities of scuba diving or snorkeling anytime in the year. On the Malta Island, you can try out at the ideal locations of caves and steep drop-offs in north – at the Qawra Point and Cirkewwa. Wied Iz-Zurrieq is preferred for night dives. On the Gozo Island, feel the thrill at the stunning site of the Dwejra Point. For Windsurfing, explore the famous sites in Mellieha Bay, St Paul’s Bay, and Bahar Ic-Caghaq. - Holiday Beaches:
The recommended ones on the north coast are located at the Paradise Bay, Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Armier Bay, and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. Further, Il-Qawra is also worth visiting as it is the inland sea holding an isolated water pool of bathing, translucent and unspoiled waters, and steep cliffs. Visit Ir-Ramla il-Wamra that is another unspoiled beach. - Grand Harbor:
This is famous for its lining regattas taking place during April and September. - Gozo Island:
This is the second largest island among the bunch. For visitors, shopping is best done here. You can purchase a few among the native crafts – lace and woolen garments from the entrance gates of houses and from the streets. In these streets of Gozo, do not miss to be the part of a festival of fireworks and horseracing in summer. - Comino Island:
Sparsely populated among the other ones, this island offers some small bays such as the Blue Lagoon and St. Marija Caves that has ideal potential for cave diving. The other attraction here is to stroll along the routes twisting from unusual rock formations, which are the only medium of communication here.
